Meet Women in Construction

classroom, and some that are just part of my DNA. I believe that to be a successful construction project manager, you need to have dogged determination, tenacity, a strong sense of urgency for the important work that needs to be done, and a desire to build a strong team and great relationships internally and with your clients, design teams, and trade partners. Some of your ability to be good at that comes from things you learn along the way. Some of it comes from who you are as a person, and what drives you!

What is the best part of your job? Seeing the final product. Knowing that I had a hand in helping to build something that will serve a community; providing innovative spaces to receive high-quality care. Also, the people whom I work with are the best people around! I wouldn’t want to work in any other industry.

Is there an aspect that you would like to see changed? Diversity would be a huge benefit to our industry! I want to go to awards banquets and trade organization meetings and see diversity across the board. We need to help make construction a real career option for all ethnicities and genders!

What is the biggest challenge on the job? Right now, getting the materials and equipment you need to build it out! That comes with a strong understanding of the market and current lead times and having strong relationships with specialty contractors you can partner with to get it done.

How or why did you choose your specialty? Prior to health care construction, I worked in senior living construction (which I also have a passion for). At the time, the company I worked for had a need for a project manager in our healthcare division, so I made the jump. Health care construction is so specialized, not everyone can do it, not just anyone WANTS to do it. I look at what I GET TO DO every day and feel blessed. This career has allowed me to provide well for my family while I get to take pride in my career.

What can be done to encourage more women to join construction? I think the first step is to let others know there is a place for them in this industry! It is a great place to build a career, support your family, and make a life! I am involved in mentorship programs in an effort to talk to middle school- and high school-aged kids about career options. I also serve on the board of the Professional Women in Construction –Philadelphia Chapter, which is a fantastic organization that supports and mentors women in the industry.

Rachko

What led you to join the construction industry? Growing up, I was always helping my father with small fixer-up projects around the house. When I was in the eighth grade, I was required to take a wood shop class and continued with that throughout the rest of my high school career. In 10th grade, I enrolled in the vocational program for electrical construction, and that’s when I knew I’d pursue a career in construction.

Describe your current role and duties? I’m currently a journeyman in the Local 524 pipefitters union working for McClure Company. I am a UA-certified welder so that’s my main responsibility. When I am in-between welding projects, I work on preventative maintenance under McClure’s contracts, along with HVAC installs, plumbing, and pipe work.

What was your path into construction (college, trade school, apprenticeship, other)? I was accepted into the pipefitters union in 2017 with the intention of specializing in HVAC. Given I had a background in electrical, I was already halfway there. I was an apprentice in Local 524’s program for five years, where I learned pipefitting, plumbing, and welding. I grew a love for welding immediately and decided that’s what I wanted to work toward for the rest of my career.

What doesn’t your educational training prepare you for? What education fails to prepare you for is quick thinking in the field. In my experience, I learned most of what I know on the job. Education gives you the building blocks, but experience is everything. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some amazingly talented welders and technicians who have guided me to be able to do my job more efficiently.

What is the best part of your job? The best part about my job is the people I work with. I love my job, but the people make it better. I’ve built solid relationships with the guys at my company and every day is like going to work with a father or brother.

What is the biggest challenge on the job? The biggest challenge I faced on the job was gaining the respect of my male coworkers in the beginning. After working side-by-side with them and constantly feeling the need to prove myself, it didn’t take long for them to recognize I am just as capable as anyone else.

What can be done to encourage more women to join construction? I feel like the number one thing discouraging women from this type of work is the strength-based challenges. As technology and equipment have come a long way, it’s rare that I face a time when I’m incapable of completing a task due to a lack of strength. When I am faced with this challenge, I know I can count on those working around me to lend a hand.